Question from jackie on May 19th, 2011 @ 6:06AM

Hi Jackie, the upper vertebrae in you neck have a small process that sticks out called the spinous process. In many people this is bifurcated which means it opens into two prominences. This may be what you are feeling now and often after you hurt your neck you start rubbing the area and discover what you think is a new problem. It may just be this bifurcation of the bone which is a normal finding. Hopefully your MRI has been done and found to be normal as well.

Question from Danan on May 4th, 2011 @ 9:51PM

Yes, very likely.
Your spine contains the spinal nerves that exit from each spinal segment. Medical texts such as Gray's Anatomy and Nervous System charts demonstrate that vertebrae from T4 to T7 supply nerve power to your stomach. Your chiropractor will examine your spine to determine if indeed there are signs of vertebral misalignment to these segments and if so will adjust the segment or segments. Each person responds differently, most people respond well and notice good improvement with their stomach and digestion.
It is possible that you may require some digestive enzymes to assist your digestive system.
The bottom line your brain controls your entire body with nervous system power, your stomach will have the best chance of functioning well with full power not diminished by a spinal misalignment.

Question from Dr. David on April 27th, 2011 @ 7:39AM

There are two main spinal components that are effectively treated using traction and decompression. One is the disc (or intervertberal cartilage cushion) and the other is the facet (gliding joint component). Spinal decompression is particularly effective for the disc because as it tractions the spine, it HOLDS the traction for a prolonged yet specified time otherwise known as a "dwell" time. The longer the vertbrae are held apart, the greater the vacuum forces produced within the disc. Conversely, intermittent traction, or standard traction does not hold the segments apart and rather pumps them back and forth. This pull and release of the spinal segments (without prolonged holding) is better suited for the rehab of the facet or gliding surface. Both components should be addressed when rehabilaitating any spinal compression injury.

Question from karen on April 14th, 2011 @ 5:09PM

There are multiple areas that a chiropractor can help you with regarding your heel spurs. If you are having heel spurs form due to an imbalanced pelvis you can expect relief from your current heel spurs and also a decrease in new heel spurs from forming once you get your pelvis and low back properly aligned.
There are some soft tissue techniques that are highly effective for treating heel spurs. Look for a chiropractor who uses the "graston" technique and they can likely help. Chiropractic adjustments to your lower extremity can be beneficial as well. Lastly, stretching your calves is something that should help.

Question from tricia on April 12th, 2011 @ 12:51PM

If you have not changed his diet recently to costipate him, often times a simple adjustment will "get things moving". You might try using your thumbs to stimulate his "poop points"-- the two dimples at the top of his bottom, around the belt line.

Question from talia on April 11th, 2011 @ 1:12AM

Hi Talia,
It is going to be difficult to help you directly with most of your concerns online. Without direct examination there is just not enough information. It is entirely likely that chiropractic would help a great deal, but for Medicaid to cover there will have be enough findings to document "medical necessity".
As to the Medicaid providers, you might browse the list on this site of docs nearby your location and call a few. There may be a state listing in your area. In my state it is called MediCal and actually costs money (paying someone to bill) to get the coverage.
Wish I could help more. God bless, Dr P

Question from CLAUDIA on April 5th, 2011 @ 3:59PM

An injury such as a sprain can often damage the integrity of the ligaments and the motion of the spinal segments, leading to a weakening of the disc tissue. Proper spinal motion is necessarry for the influx of nutrients and water into the disc (which is necessarry for healing), so without proper support to regain and maintain this motion, the discs are more likely to bulge, herniate, or deteriorate. At this point your symptoms seem to point to inflamation as well as some mild physical compression of nerve tissue in your low back. Chiropractic care earlier may have prevented this, but it will still probably be very benificial to you now. It may take more time to rehabilitate your injury now, and nutritional support may be worthwhile as well. Active therapy such as pilates may benifit, but do not attempt until you have a consult and exam to make sure you are ready for it.

Question from carol on March 22nd, 2011 @ 5:02PM

I have adjusted a few patients with epilepsy with great results. The first was a 35 year old female that was having 4-6 grand mal seizures a day with severe headache/ mirgaines. Through the course of care her seizures diminshed to 1 ever two weeks. The results did come and go, but her overall quality of life was greatly improved.
The second case was a 3 year old girl that was having smaller "zone out" seizures (as her parents stated). Her parents reported that she was having approximately 50 per day! Again, through the course of care this diminished to around 5-10.
Joel seems to be a very interesting case. I do believe that Chiropractic care can help get some form of comfort. Find yourself a Chiropractor that will work with you and adjust Joel appropriately. What I mean by this is, using appropriate adjusting techniques. Lower force techniques would best be suited for Joel until he can tolerate something more forceful. Joel can be adjusted seated in his wheelchair until such time and he can lie comfortablly on a table.
Call a local Chiropractor or check out their website to see if they would be suitable to Joel's needs. Chiropractic CAN help him!
Yours in health,
Dr. Surma, D.C.
www.DrSurma.com

Question from carol on March 22nd, 2011 @ 4:56PM

Even given his considerable health history, there are still chiropractic techniques that may help to mobilize his spine, strengthen his neck, and reduce central nervous system dysfunction. Look for a doctor who utilizes upper cervical technique, myofascial release (for the scar tissue following the surgery), or one who uses activator or arthrostim as these are techniques that can be administered without compression to his ribcage.

Question from sharon on February 28th, 2011 @ 8:27AM

Sharon,
Sounds like you might be interested in a chiropractor that does more myofascial work. There are techniques out there like SOT, Flexion Distraction, Active Release, Graston, Nimmo that don't require "cracking".
It all depends on your ailments. Most chiropractors are trained to do some gentle techniques, you just have to ask.